10+ Best Maths Puzzle Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for a way to make math fun for your preteen? You're in the right place! Our guide to Maths Puzzle Books for 11-Year-Olds is packed with exciting options that blend entertainment with education, perfect for keeping young minds engaged and learning. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to challenge and delight any eager learner.

Fun Maths Puzzle Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Moscow Puzzles: 359 Mathematical Recreations by Boris Kordemsky
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: This book offers a collection of 359 engaging puzzles, ranging from simple riddles to complex problems, with solutions that encourage creative thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances problem-solving skills and presents mathematics in a fun and accessible way, which can help maintain the interest of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy challenges and have a keen interest in math and logical thinking.

• The Everything Kids' Math Puzzles Book by Meg Clemens, Sean Clemens, and Glenn Clemens
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Games, Activities
  • Synopsis: This book is filled with various math puzzles that entertain and educate at the same time, covering topics like numbers, geometry, and logic.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great tool for making math enjoyable and helps in sharpening both computational and critical thinking skills.
  • Perfect for: Children who find traditional math lessons dull and are looking for a more exciting way to learn.

• Math Puzzles for Kids Ages 10-12: Engaging and Educational Sudoku, Crosswords, and More! by Nancy Dyer
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Puzzle, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides a variety of math-related puzzles tailored specifically for pre-teens to solve, including Sudoku, crosswords, and logic puzzles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps to build a strong foundation in math while keeping the learning process light and fun.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teens who enjoy solving puzzles and parents who want to encourage their children to embrace math with enthusiasm.

• Math Riddles For Smart Kids: Math Riddles And Brain Teasers That Kids And Families Will Love by M. Prefontaine
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Brain Teasers
  • Synopsis: A collection of intriguing math riddles and brain teasers designed to stimulate the minds of young readers and engage their problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes critical thinking and offers a fun way to practice mathematical concepts through riddles and puzzles.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love to think outside the box and enjoy cracking codes and solving riddles.

• Awesome Math: Inspiring Problems to Build Math Confidence and Skills by Alfred S. Posamentier and Robert Geretschlager
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book presents a series of challenging problems and puzzles designed to boost confidence and enhance mathematical skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a deeper understanding of math through engaging and thought-provoking problems, ideal for building persistence and problem-solving abilities.
  • Perfect for: Students who are looking to challenge themselves further in math and enjoy solving complex problems.

Educational Maths Puzzle Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Math Magic for Your Kids: Hundreds of Games and Exercises from the Human Calculator to Make Math Fun and Easy by Scott Flansburg
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Educational, Games
  • Synopsis: Scott Flansburg, known as the Human Calculator, offers fun and engaging games and exercises designed to make math enjoyable and accessible for children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic arithmetic, mental math, problem-solving skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It transforms math into a fun and exciting challenge, which can help reduce math anxiety and increase a child's confidence in their mathematical abilities.
  • Perfect for: Kids who think math is boring or too challenging, and parents who want to help their children improve their math skills in a playful way.

• The Kids' Book of Math Puzzles by Vicky Shiotsu
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: A collection of puzzles that range from simple arithmetic problems to more complex challenges designed to sharpen a child's math skills.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, arithmetic, pattern recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a variety of puzzles that are both challenging and educational, providing a comprehensive approach to learning math.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy puzzles and games and are eager to apply their math skills in fun new ways.

• Math for Love: Prime Climb by Dan Finkel
  • Illustrator: Katherine Cook
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Educational, Board Games
  • Synopsis: This book comes with a colorful board game that teaches prime numbers and arithmetic operations through gameplay.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Multiplication, division, prime numbers, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It uniquely combines gameplay with learning, making complex concepts like prime numbers accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love board games and parents looking for educational games that promote math skills.

• Spectacular Math Puzzles by Marvin Gardner
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: A collection of spectacular math puzzles that challenge children to think critically and solve problems creatively.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, creativity in problem-solving, mathematical concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a stimulating variety of puzzles that are designed to be both fun and educational, enhancing a child’s love for math.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle enthusiasts and children who thrive on solving complex problems and developing their math skills.

• Can You Solve My Problems? A Casebook of Ingenious, Perplexing and Totally Satisfying Puzzles by Alex Bellos
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Puzzle, History
  • Synopsis: Alex Bellos presents a compendium of puzzles that have stumped the minds of mathematicians for centuries, accompanied by interesting historical anecdotes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, problem-solving, logical reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It not only offers challenging puzzles but also enriches the reader's understanding of the history of mathematics.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in both the history and challenge of mathematics, and who appreciate puzzles that come with a story.

Challenging Maths Puzzle Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure by Hans Magnus Enzensberger
  • Illustrator: Rotraut Susanne Berner
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Follows a young boy named Robert who, with the help of a whimsical and mystical number devil, explores advanced mathematical concepts in his dreams.
  • Why this book is challenging: Introduces complex mathematical concepts like Fibonacci numbers, factorials, and fractals in an imaginative setting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes high-level math concepts accessible and engaging through storytelling, encouraging readers to see the fun side of mathematics.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love fantasy and are curious about numbers and math.

• The Math Olympian by Richard Hoshino
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Chronicles the journey of Bethany MacDonald, who trains and competes for Canada in the International Mathematical Olympiad.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers the preparation for high-level mathematical competitions, featuring real-world Olympiad problems.
  • Why we recommend this book: Inspires perseverance and dedication through the protagonist's journey and provides insight into the world of mathematical competitions.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring mathletes and those interested in mathematical competitions.

• The Manga Guide to Calculus by Hiroyuki Kojima
  • Illustrator: Shin Togami
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Manga
  • Synopsis: A manga that teaches calculus concepts through the story of a young reporter who learns about calculus from her company's resident scientist.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents calculus, a higher-level mathematical concept not typically taught until late high school or college.
  • Why we recommend this book: Uses the engaging manga format to simplify and explain complex calculus concepts in a relatable way.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and manga fans who might be interested in advanced math.

• Gotcha! by Martin Gardner
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Puzzle, Logic
  • Synopsis: A collection of paradoxes and puzzles that challenge logical thinking and mathematical reasoning.
  • Why this book is challenging: Features brain teasers that require unconventional thinking and a deep understanding of mathematical principles.
  • Why we recommend this book: Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills through fun and challenging puzzles.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy logic puzzles and are looking for a mental challenge.

• Challenging Problems in Geometry by Alfred S. Posamentier and Charles T. Salkind
  • Illustrator: Not applicable
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Educational
  • Synopsis: Offers a collection of geometric problems designed for high ability students, with complete solutions and discussions.
  • Why this book is challenging: Includes a range of difficult problems that require a solid understanding of geometric concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps develop a deeper understanding of geometry through problem-solving and is great for preparing for math competitions.
  • Perfect for: Students who excel in math and are seeking to challenge themselves further, especially in geometry.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you’ve got a young math enthusiast at home, diving into math puzzle books can be a fantastic way for them to sharpen their skills while having fun. But how can you make the most out of these books? Here are some exercises designed to help 11-year-olds develop good reading habits while tackling their math puzzles:

• Set Specific Reading Times
  • What it is: Dedicate specific times of the day for reading math puzzle books.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine, making reading a regular part of the day.
  • Tips: Choose times when your child is most alert, like after breakfast or right after school.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific area in the house that is comfortable and quiet for reading.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions, which can be particularly helpful for focusing on complex puzzles.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with items they like, which can make the space inviting and exciting.

• Discuss the Puzzles
  • What it is: Talk about the puzzles your child solves.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the mathematical concepts.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and explanation.

• Use a Puzzle Timer
  • What it is: Set a timer for a challenging puzzle to encourage quick thinking.
  • How it helps: Builds time management skills and helps kids learn to work under pressure.
  • Tips: Start with ample time and gradually decrease it as they become more proficient.

• Puzzle Swap with Friends
  • What it is: Exchange puzzle books with friends to explore different types of puzzles.
  • How it helps: Exposes your child to a variety of puzzles and increases the challenge.
  • Tips: Make sure the books are age-appropriate and match the skill level of all children involved.

• Reflect on Learning
  • What it is: After completing a puzzle, have your child write down what they learned or found challenging.
  • How it helps: Encourages reflection on the learning process and identifies areas for improvement.
  • Tips: Keep this activity light and fun to avoid it feeling like homework.

These exercises aren’t just about solving puzzles; they’re about building lifelong learning habits. By integrating these practices, your child will not only get better at math but also develop a deeper love for learning. Dive in and watch them grow!